July 2, 2014, Anchorage, Alaska Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
At 0820 Alaska time, the airplane descended vertically and collided with the ground shortly after takeoff. The solo private pilot was fatally injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual conditions prevailed.
A witness reported the “airplane’s angle of attack was so steep” that he knew “something was not right.” He said that the airplane climbed straight up then “pivoted” to a nose-down position and descended straight to the ground. The witness heard the engine go quiet about the time that the airplane pivoted. Post-accident examination revealed the elevator control cables were mis-rigged, such that they were attached to the incorrect (opposite) locations on the elevator control horn, resulting in a reversal of elevator control inputs.
July 4, 2014, Durango, Colo. North American/Aero Classics P-51D
The airplane was substantially damaged at about 0930 Mountain time when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff. The flight instructor in the back seat and the pilot receiving instruction in the front seat were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed.
